In China, those seeking a six-seat electric crossover have access to the Tesla Model Y L, and according to a new report, American families will soon have the option of the Model Y L, too. Citing an anonymous source, Not a Tesla App claims that the long-wheelbase Model Y will reach the U.S. in the fall, in either August or September. Tesla invited U.S. influencers to see the vehicle earlier in the year, likely to gauge whether it's worth offering the more spacious model here, and we were among those lucky enough to get an in-person look at its second-row captain's chairs and spacious third row. But don't go looking to place a reservation just yet - Tesla isn't the best when it comes to meeting self-imposed deadlines.
Tesla Model Y L: Fall is the Target, But It Could Arrive Later
Autoblog / LeRoy Marion
The publication breaking the news of the Model Y L's arrival in the fall notes that "this is a strict internal target rather than a concrete public launch date." In other words, Tesla wants to launch the new Model Y variant as soon as possible, effectively as a middle ground between the current Model Y and the discontinued Model X, but it's equally likely to be delayed by production delays, homologation testing, or other factors. Elon Musk has also cast doubt over its arrival, saying the Model Y L will arrive late in 2026 or never. Why? Because he believes self-driving will be achieved by then. Of course, he's said that sort of thing many times over the years.
The publication went on to say that its source claims the long-wheelbase Model Y will be produced at Gigafactory Texas and that the factory is currently undergoing tooling changes to accommodate production of the new variant. Fortunately, it doesn't look like Tesla is behind schedule, at least not yet. A Model Y L frame was seen at Giga Texas in the spring, and prototypes have been spotted on U.S. roads and at the Fremont factory's tracks.
What to Expect from the Longer Tesla Model Y
Tesla
The Model Y L is 179 millimeters longer than the regular crossover, with 150 of those millimeters stretching the wheelbase to enable a 2-2-2 layout. In the second row, passengers will get heated, ventilated, and adjustable captain's chairs, while those in the third row get more basic (but still adjustable) perches. The suspension is also reportedly tuned for greater comfort, and the central screen on the dash expands to 16 inches, up from 15.4 inches in the Standard model. This is the same screen found in more premium versions of the Model Y, but don't expect any upgrades for the powertrain. The Model Y L is likely to match the Model Y Premium AWD, with around 327 miles of range on the EPA's combined test, but if Chinese pricing is anything to go by, the Model Y L will be roughly $4,000 pricier, likely starting at around $53,990. We'll bring you more details as we get them.
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